10 Ways to Get HAPPY Right Now!

Do you feel sad? Maybe a little blue? Well, you aren’t alone… January is officially the saddest month of the year. Even the fact that Saturday was National Compliment Day didn’t help to brighten our spirits apparently.

I think the official saddest day of the year was last Monday, but I thought it was the 4th Monday of January. (hence… why this post is up now… ha!) But why in the world would the saddest day of the year be on MLK Day? It’s not a very nice way to honor Dr. King AND most people are off work that day… so what’s depressing about a day off?

Anyway… The first saddest day of the year was announced back in 2005 when a researcher at Cardiff University figured out a method to the sadness. According to Dr. Cliff Arnall it’s the Monday in January with a perfect combination of depressing factors.

Weather conditions (Gloomy January with its cold weather & lack of sunshine)

Debt level and our ability to pay that debt

Time elapsed since Christmas

Time elapsed since failing New Years resolutions

Low motivational levels

Our need to take action (better ourselves, resolutions… then disappointment about failing or not seeing changes)

So to counteract this sad & miserable month.. I have 10 things you can do RIGHT NOW to make yourself happy!

Step out of your comfort zone: If you normally keep it casual for work, dress up a bit. Wear a bold lip color. Introduce yourself to that group of moms at the park that you have always wanted to talk to. Switch things up and you will be surprised how fast it can boost your mood!

Send someone snail mail: If you have been thinking about someone… a friend, family member, or neighbor.. send them a little hand-written note. It will make you feel better & brighten their day at the same time!

Exercise: Bring on those mood-boosting endorphins! Even a quick walk around the block or 10 minute YouTube workout will help!

Take some time for yourself: Try to carve out a bit of time to do something you enjoy. Read a book, get a pedicure, or head to Target by yourself. (can you tell how I enjoy time for myself? ha!)

Do something nice for someone else: Buy a co-worker coffee when picking up your own. Bring flowers to a retirement home. (Ask employees to bring them to whoever they think needs them the most that day) Give out a few compliments. Brightening other people’s day will make you happier as well!

Put your phone away for a few hours: It can bee very ‘freeing’ to get rid of your phone, even if it is just for a short time. You may focus on your family more or get that project done that you have been putting off.

Call a good friend: Girlfriends make us happy, so give your bestie a call. If you can meet up with them… even better! I am always in a better mood after I speak to my friends.

Listen to your favorite music: Put on your favorite music and dance around. If I have had a stressful morning, I just put my favorite Pandora channel on (which may or may not be Britney Spears radio) and sing my way to work. Instant happiness.

Watch or read something funny: Pop in your favorite comedy or funny TV show, or hop on YouTube there is tons of funny stuff on there. I am guaranteed a laugh when I read texts gone wrong or watch news bloopers on YouTube.

Be Thankful: I am one of those people that believes happiness is a choice. There will always be circumstances beyond our control and things we cannot change. But I do think that taking a few moments each day to focus on the GOOD things in your life can make a big difference. Right now… this very second… think of 5 things you have to be thankful for today. It can be the basics: you are alive, you have shelter, your children are safe. Or it can be mundane: your nails look nice or you made it to the gym today. Just think of 5 things (10 is even better) that are GOOD in your life right now. Boom. Happy. Now do that every single day… write down the 10 things.. that is even better… and finding your happy place will be easier than ever.

Share this Post

You Might Like

Comments

I'll admit, this weather report for Boston is definitely making me not happy (and the snow is due to fall starting tomorrow evening), but I'm going to combat that with #8 while I'm inevitably house-bound with Eve.

LOVE THIS LIST!!! Had to put that in caps 🙂 I have done this month #4 = Spa day, just half and hour massage but boy that was like a mini vacation!!! #5 done that several times this month, and that soooo feels good, and I am doing it again tonight!!! Made dinner for a friend who has been sick, help a friend with a drive to work as her car was broken, and tonight having people over who don't have WIFI so they can fill out FAFSA forms for college!!! Loving it!!!!!Put my phone and computer away this weekend and it was BRILLIANT!!!!!

The weather in Seattle at this time of year can get pretty dreary. However, yesterday was gorgeous! I'm hoping today is the same. Either way, I'm thrilled to be getting out of the house today with my family to get some shopping done. Not a whole lot can beat a day out with the family. I love your list-all great ideas!

Today definitely means many of those criteria in my neck of the woods! Really enjoyed this great list of reminders. I often get in a funk and don't let myself out of it for some reason by denying myself self-care options like these haha. On the upswing to Spring, I hope! Thanks for the post!

I always try to get out of the house as much as possible and schedule things for this time of the year. It can definitely be depressing. Now that we are expecting a huge snow storm, maybe we'll have to try writing some letters to friends! That sounds like fun.

Fantastic list!!! I practice most of these. My doctor actually told me to either take up reading or Yoga to deal with anxiety issues I was having. It is so important to take time for yourself. Also, a good friend shared that when you are in a bad/sad mood, so something for someone else and you will feel better! It is so true! I love these tips! Sharing!

Excellent tips! I love writing people cards whenever I think about them. I agree with every single one of these tips except number one but that's because I'm such an introvert and talking to new people scares me. 🙂 Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned to the Bloggers Brags Board. See you next week at the link up.

This is a great list! I love receiving snail mail. That's one of the things I'm really going to miss now that my grandmother is gone. She always sent us cards on holidays and out of the blue. This will be the first year my kids won't be getting a Valentine from her.

Pinned this! Such great tips. I am definitely feeling that mid-January slump. I've been recently trying to take time for myself and really make it a good, recharging time. These are such great ideas. Love the idea of getting a new bright lip color to spice things up a bit 😉 And being thankful always, always helps me get my perspective on straight.

January is a depressing month for sure. I will say Monday was a sad day for me because I didn't have off of work. And it's really depressing when all of your friends and family are talking about how great it is to have a day off and you don't!

These are awesome tips! I definitely find calling a friend, or writing a card or letter really boosts my mood. Me time is also always a great escape, a hot bath and a good book is a great way to relax and cheer up!

I always get really down in the winter. I need to remember these tips when it hits so that maybe it won't hit quite so hard. Winter always makes sadness so much harder. I need to move somewhere sunny, wonder if I can get my husband to cooperate?